Like many cities in South America, Colombia's capital is a sprawling riot of noise, people and traffic. But Bogota is also one of the continent's most exciting capitals. Great dining, buzzing nightlife and cultural landmarks such as the fabulous Gold Museum are just a few of Bogota's travel highlights. The latter, with its fascinating displays of pre-Columbian treasures and art, is considered among the best museums in South America.

In the heart of the city is Bogota's delightful historical centre, La Candelaria, with its fine colonial houses and cathedrals in and around the Plaza Bolivar. Theatres, libraries and universities are some of the other buildings among the cobbled streets of this attractive district. Here too, is La Imprenta, where Antonio Narino's Spanish translation of Thomas Paine's Rights of Man was published in 1794, which fuelled demands for independence.

Monserrate, a 3,152-metre peak to the east of the city is another Bogota travel highlight. A cable car ride to the top is rewarded with great city views that are especially enchanting at sunrise and sunset.

Bogota is the entry point into Colombia for most international travellers and its central location in the country makes it a good starting point, before venturing into coffee region, the Cartagena coast and elsewhere.